Reasons Behind Hair Loss and It’s Prevention
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Priyanshi Sharma | Date : Dec 05 2023
Hair loss is termed alopecia and baldness. It is common to experience hair fall, but hair loss is a serious issue. In the case of hair fall, new hair growth is seen but not in hair loss.
Hair loss can be seen in any age group ranging from a child to an adult. It can occur in any gender but is mostly seen in men. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary. Hair loss can be seen on your scalp and whole body. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hair strands daily, according to AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) and and new hair comes in place of the lost hair, but if they don’t or in less amount, it is considered baldness or hair loss.
A bald spot is formed where no hair growth is seen because the skin pores at this spot are blocked. The spotted skin also becomes oily and smooth. This hairless condition in the scalp region is known as baldness.
There are many reasons behind it like stress, genes, blood disorders, etc. But people who perform lots of mental work and more tend to be inclined towards hair loss.
Causes of hair loss
- Genes
- Hormonal Changes
- Medical Conditions
- Radiation Therapy
- Stress
- Tight Hairstyles
- Poor Diet
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Age
- Poor Scalp Health
- Hair Treatments
Types of hair loss
Hair loss can be common or severe depending upon various causes. It can be temporary or permanent, let’s understand a few common types of hair loss:
- Androgenic Alopecia:
Androgenic alopecia is also referred to as pattern alopecia and is the most commonly found, affecting around 50 percent of the population. It grows with time and the symptoms can be seen at a young age or an older age.
This type of hair loss is hereditary, and it affects both males (male pattern baldness) and females (female pattern baldness).
Female pattern baldness includes thinning of hair all over the head. This widens the scalp and does not affect the front hairline. This pattern is mostly seen in women at the age of 65 but it can also be seen at an early age.
Male pattern baldness includes thinning of hair at the top or crown of the head and also affects the front hairline. In this, an “M” shaped hairline is formed.
- Alopecia Areata:
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune ailment that not only hair loss from the scalp but also from other body parts like eyebrows. It is visible as small or large patches and can cause permanent hair loss.
- Anagen Effluvium:
Anagen effluvium includes fast hair loss. It is mainly a result of any medical treatment such as chemotherapy where radiation is used. Hair growth is seen again after the treatment is completed.
- Telogen Effluvium:
Telogen effluvium involves rapid hair loss within a short period. It can be caused due to emotional stress, trauma, or hormonal changes like during childbirth.
- Tinea Capitis:
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that is also referred to as ringworm of the scalp. It mainly affects the scalp hair. It creates small scaly and itchy patches that can grow in size if not treated early.
These patches (known as kerion) can be contagious i.e. can be transferred from one individual to another on personal contact and can also cause a scar.
- Traction Alopecia:
Traction alopecia is a result of keeping tight hairstyles like wearing tight braids and buns overnight. It creates pressure on hair and can cause permanent hair loss. It can be resolved if treated during an early stage.
Symptoms of hair loss
- Gradual thinning on top of the head.
- Patchy or circular bald spots.
- Sudden loosening of hair.
- Full-body hair loss.
- Thinning of hair in women and men.
- Scaly Patches on the Scalp.
- Loosening of hair at the hairline in men.
- Red, itchy, or irritating scalp.
- Broken hair follicles.
- Loss of hair from the body.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Be gentle with your hair (soft hairstyles).
- Avoid Excessive Heat and Styling.
- Manage your daily stress.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Massage your scalp regularly.
- Use a mild shampoo.
- Protect your hair from severe weather conditions and sunlight.
- Treat your medical conditions timely.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is very important to find out the cause behind your condition. Always seek medical help if you discover any of the above symptoms. A doctor will require some information like your family history, any recently caused diseases, trauma, surgeries, or physical exam.
Biopsy (skin removal of a small area for a lab test) can be performed on your scalp skin if any autoimmune condition is detected or to know the root cause.
Treatments
According to the above diagnoses, relevant treatments are prescribed. Some of the treatments are:
- Medications:
Initially, the doctor prescribes some medicines, gels, sprays, or creams to slow down hair loss or hair thinning. It should be taken on a doctor’s prescription and advice.
- Hair Transplant:
It involves the removal of thicker hair follicles from your scalp and placing them on a bald portion of your scalp. It is a surgical procedure and is quite costly.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP):
In this, the patient’s blood is drawn and platelet-rich plasma is separated from blood. It is then injected into your scalp to boost hair growth and slow down hair loss.
Natural home remedies to control hair loss
It is possible to prevent hair loss and encourage new hair growth. Using home remedies for the same is the best practice. Here are some home remedies that can help induce hair growth:
- Banana:
Applying banana paste and adding bananas to your diet is beneficial for your hair. Bananas help improve your blood circulation as they are potassium-rich and also provide other essential nutrients to your hair follicles.
To make a hair mask, grind banana pulp with lemon juice and apply it directly to your scalp. It helps nourish your scalp, promoting hair growth, repairing damaged hair, and making your hair look lustrous.
- Lemon:
Lemon promotes collagen production as they are rich in vitamin C. Citric acid makes your hair shine, reduces dandruff, and promotes hair growth. To restore hair growth on bald patches, rub a slice of lemon on it for 1-2 months. You will see a good amount of hair growth.
- Pomegranate:
Pomegranate has antioxidant properties and punicic acid in its seed strengthens your hair follicles. It nourishes your scalp and improves your blood circulation. Adding pomegranate to your diet can help in hair growth and you can also apply it as a hair mask. To make a hair mask, grind pomegranate leaves with water and apply it directly to your scalp for results.
- Onion:
Onion is rich in sulfur that promotes collagen production which helps in the growth of new hair follicles and clears your skin. Prepare onion juice, pour it into a spray bottle, and apply it on the bald area. Massage for 10 minutes. It prevents hair loss and generates new hair.
- Indian Lilac (Neem):
Indian lilac prevents excess sebum production which is responsible for hair thinning and static hair growth. Thus, applying Indian lilac oil regularly for 2-3 months to bald spots results in hair strengthening and promoting hair growth.
- Garlic:
Consuming garlic daily can reduce hair loss. Garlic is rich in iron, manganese, vitamin B & C, and selenium. It nourishes the roots of the hair follicles. Allicin in the garlic contributes to adding shine and elasticity to the hair follicles.
- Black Gram:
Black gram is rich in protein and also contains hair-nourishing nutrients. This helps in the growth of hair and prevents hair loss. Create a paste by boiling and grinding black gram. Now, apply this paste before going to bed on bald patches. This will induce regrowth of hair follicles.
- Coriander:
Coriander refreshes the roots of your hair follicles and prevents hair loss. Applying coriander juice on the bald patches and massaging the area helps in the growth of the hair.
- Yoga:
Yoga helps to cure your body from the inside. It keeps your mental state and physical well-being at a balanced state. Practicing yoga regularly helps maintain your stress levels, thus reducing hair fall and other body problems.
- Massage:
It is essential to massage your head with oil to improve blood circulation properly. Blood circulation transports essential nutrients to the hair follicles and thus improves hair growth.